Veterinary Medical Director

Star Valley Veterinary Clinic; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Short-term & long-term disability

Life insurance

Sign-on or relocation assistance

CE allowance & development support

Job summary

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) in Asheville, NC seeks an Emergency Veterinary Medical Director to lead medical standards, mentor clinicians, and foster a culture of clinical excellence. The role includes a partial clinical caseload to stay connected with patient care and high-level leadership across departments.

The successful candidate will provide strategic direction, collaborate with the Hospital Director, drive evidence-based practices, and support recruitment and

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree and eligibility for state licensure.
• Rotating internship or 5+ years of emergency medicine experience in a referral setting is preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills for a medical director role.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical leadership and strategic direction across departments.
• Mentor and develop clinicians; lead rounds and CE events.
• Oversee scheduling, clinical operations, and patient care standards.
• Collaborate on hospital strategy, budgeting, and service development.
• Maintain a partial clinical caseload to stay connected to patient care.

Skills

Medical leadership

Emergency medicine

Team leadership

Mentorship

Education

DVM or equivalent

State license eligibility

Job description

Hospital Name: South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES)

Job Type: Veterinarian - Managing / Medical Director

Employment Type: Permanent

Description & Requirements

Veterinary Medical Director

Emergency Veterinary Medical Director Opportunity in Asheville, NC
Schedule: Full-time

For years,SAVEShas been a trusted leader in specialty and emergency veterinary care. Our Medical Director will work alongside and support a talented team that includes:

• Board-certified specialists inEmergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Neurology
• A robust 24/7 Emergency team with 9 clinicians
• Highly trained and dedicated technicians and support staff
• A modern, spacious clinical setting designed for top-tier care and efficiency

Advanced Technology at Your Fingertips:

• Advanced imaging technology, including the Optima CT520 and GE 1.5T MRI.
• Three Phillips EPIQ5 ultrasound machines with exams conducted by a human-trained Ultrasound Sonographer, supported by Board-Certified Radiologist Review.
• I-Stat point-of-care blood analyzers for immediate diagnostics.
• Comprehensive benchtop in-hospital lab systems and access to Lacuna Digital Cytology for fast and accurate diagnostic support.
• Olympus 180 gastroscopes, including one scope dedicated exclusively to emergency use.
• Dedicated spaces for chemotherapy preparation and administration in a USP 800-compliant facility.

Location Highlight

Asheville is a vibrant mountain city known for its resilient spirit, thriving community, and blend of Appalachian heritage with modern amenities. Located minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, it offers breathtaking hiking trails, a celebrated food scene, and a lively dog-friendly brewery culture. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and community, Asheville continues to grow into an even more welcoming and dynamic place to live and work.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision),retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

• Competitive compensation
• Sign-on or relocation assistance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• CE allowance and professional development support
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options
• Employee assistance programs

In your day-to-day, you will:

As Medical Director, you’ll play a key role in shaping medical standards, mentoring clinicians, fostering a positive culture, and driving clinical excellence across departments.You’ll also maintain a partial clinical caseload, allowing you to stay close to patient care while shaping the future of the hospital.

• Medical Leadership: Provide medical leadership and strategic direction, partnering with the Hospital Director to drive clinical excellence, quality assurance, patient safety, and evidence-based medical practices.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Mentor and develop DVMs, lead teaching rounds and CE, provide performance feedback, support engagement and retention, and oversee DVM scheduling and clinical operations.
• Recruitment & Talent Development: Partner with the Hospital Director and recruiting team on DVM recruitment, interviews, candidate experiences, onboarding, internal referrals, and retention initiatives.
• Hospital Strategy & Business: Collaborate on hospital strategy, budgeting, P&L review, service development, pricing, equipment and facility improvements, and initiatives that support operational and financial performance.
• Client & Referral Relations: Address medically related client and referring veterinarian concerns, support resolution of complaints, strengthen rDVM relationships, and promote strong communication and client service.
• Compliance & Professional Standards: Ensure compliance with medical, regulatory, DEA, controlled drug, OSHA, licensing, credentialing, and medical record requirements while supporting the highest standards of patient care.

What You Bring

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state veterinary licensure.
• Completion of a rotating internship or 5+ years’ experience practicing emergency medicine in a referral setting is required.
• Confidence managing emergency cases and making sound clinical decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills with a compassionate, client-centered approach.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
• A passion for continuous learning, teamwork, and advancing emergency veterinary medicine.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.